We offer a student internship in the Nano Optics team at the Institute of Photonics and Electronics of the Czech Academy of Sciences in the field of modern optical microscopy and nanoscopy. Our team has recently developed a method for highly precise and rapid imaging of the position and rotation of nanoscale objects, promising to deepen our understanding of key biological molecular processes, such as the activity of enzymes involved in DNA transcription or repair. For this type of experiment, we aim to develop optimal molecular labeling using gold nanorods. These serve as optical “orientation probes,” with the goal of minimizing their influence on the dynamics of the observed process.
The internship is intended for students of biochemistry, physics, nanotechnology, or related programs who are interested in interdisciplinary experimental research at the intersection of these fields.
What will the internship involve?
- Introduction to a unique optical microscopy method for tracking molecular rotation
- Designing a minimalist yet rigid linkage between the studied biomolecule and a nanorod
- Experimental validation of the proposed linkage and monitoring rotational dynamics at the nanoscale
What do we need?
- Basic knowledge of optics, physics, or molecular biology is an advantage
- Independent problem-solving approach, motivated to work on a research project and learn
- Responsible and reliable attitude
What do we offer?
- Work in a modern optical laboratory where ideas and hypotheses are transformed into experiments and data
- Introduction to advanced methods of optical microscopy and nanoscopy
- Active involvement in scientific research and the creative process within a friendly international team
- Individual supervision and guidance throughout the internship
- A flexible approach reflecting the possibilities and priorities of the intern
Capture a slow-motion video of a molecule and reveal processes the world has not yet seen!